Butylated Hydroxytoluene
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 6, 2025.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Butylated hydroxytoluene, commonly known as BHT, is an organic compound that is used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industry as an antioxidant. BHT is a substituted derivative of phenol. BHT helps to prevent the formation of free radicals and oxidation. When used in food products, it delays oxidative rancidity of fats and oils, and prevents loss of activity of oil-soluble vitamins. It may be found in pharmaceutical gels, creams and liquid or gelatin capsules, tablets and other pharmaceutical dosage forms. The ability of oral BHT to lead to cancer is a controversial topic, but most food industries have replaced it with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). A large review from 2002 concluded that BHT is safe for use on the skin in cosmetics.
Some examples of medications containing Butylated Hydroxytoluene
- Escitalopram Oxalate 5 mg (base)
- Escitalopram Oxalate 20 mg (base)
- Escitalopram Oxalate 10 mg (base)
- Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Extended-Release 16 mg
- Hysingla ER 20 mg
- Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release 27 mg
- Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release 36 mg
- Myrbetriq 50 mg
- Myrbetriq 25 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride Extended-Release 40 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride Extended-Release 80 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride Extended-Release 10 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride Extended-Release 20 mg
- OxyContin 80 mg
- OxyContin 15 mg
- OxyContin 40 mg
- OxyContin 30 mg
- OxyContin 20 mg
- OxyContin 10 mg
- OxyContin 60 mg
References
- Lanigan R. Yamarik T. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. International Jornal of Toxicology 2002;21(Suppl 20):19-94.
- National Library of Medicine. Haz-Map. Butylated hydroxytoluene. Accessed 1/14/2014. http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/category-details?table=copytblagents&id=393
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.